3 major reasons behind Kuldeep Yadav's downfall in Test cricket

Kuldeep Yadav is one of the best spin-bowling options for India across formats.

Kuldeep Yadav remains one of the most distinctive and unique spin-bowling options in Test cricket for India, but his red-ball career has never followed a straightforward path.

Despite delivering several brilliant performances and match-winning spells, this left-arm wrist-spinner has often been left out of the playing XI.

With a formidable international record of 79 wickets across 18 Tests, the chinaman bowler has struggled to establish himself as an indisputable part of India‘s Test XI. His journey in the longest format of the game has often been viewed through the lens of strategic compromises, and the decline in his Test cricket performance is not solely due to a drop in individual skill.

Reasons leading to Kuldeep Yadav’s Test downfall:

Lack of opportunities at the international level

One of the biggest challenges for Kuldeep Yadav has unarguably been inconsistent selection. It is often said that wrist-spin is inherently a rhythm-based discipline, and hence it often demands regular matches to master the art of controlling the length and flight of deliveries. 

However, the Indian left-arm wrist spinner has had significant periods out of India’s Test XI, especially under the shadow of Indian legends Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

Despite solid performances at times, Kuldeep has been dropped in the very next game due to the return of either of the two greats who might have missed a match due to injury. 

Compared to his longevity in international cricket since his debut, the limited number of Test appearances highlighted the sheer lack of opportunities for the young cricketer on the big stage. 

Misfit in a period of all-rounder dilemma 

After Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket, Kuldeep Yadav’s eyes might have glittered at the sight of the vacant spot in the Indian Test XI. However, the evolving dynamics of modern-day Test cricket have affected the prospects of Kuldeep’s Test selection. 

Modern Test strategies often prioritise bowlers who can contribute significantly with the bat, adding crucial runs on tricky tracks.

Especially under overseas conditions, where spin bowling does not have an undue advantage, India often aims at team balance, favouring all-rounders like Axar Patel or Washington Sundar. 

This was clearly evident during India’s tour of England, when Washington Sundar was picked over Kuldeep Yadav each time to strengthen the lower-order batting.

The necessity of a deep batting lineup has also brought Manav Suthar into contention, a specialist spinner who leaves the lower order less vulnerable than Kuldeep. 

Pace and trajectory issues

From a technical standpoint, red-ball cricket always demands unique efforts from spinners, especially wrist spinners, compared to white-ball cricket. Yadav’s natural slow trajectory could have made him easily adjustable for top-tier Test batters who master playing on the back foot. 

Although Kuldeep tried to counter this with high pace and a flat trajectory, he lost excellent control over his length consistency, as well as the sharpness of spin and grip on the surface.

Hence, when conditions offer minimal assistance to spinners, Kuldeep’s variations often fade away in multi-day cricket. 

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